New Partnership at SCF to Include Second Annual Ability Games

(Bradenton, Fla., May 3, 2018) — The Health Professions Division and Physical Therapist
Assistant (PTA) Program at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) have announced
the creation of an academic-practice partnership with Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury
Recovery Center in Tampa.

“We’re excited about this new partnership that will create meaningful collaboration
opportunities for SCF students and those being served by Stay in Step,” said Rosie
Fairchild, SCF dean of health professions.

Future endeavors include the creation of a clinical affiliation site for SCF students
enrolled in health professions programs, off-campus clinical laboratory opportunities,
various onsite trainings and special events.

The first such event, the second annual Ability Games, will take place from 10 a.m.
to noon June 2 in Tampa. The games are an athletic competition that will have commingled
teams of able-bodied and disabled athletes competing against each other in a round-robin
and team format with the purpose of highlighting the ability of those that are often
seen only by their disability. The Ability Games not only promote awareness, but also
engage the community and provide a sense of camaraderie for participants.

“PTA students from SCF will be volunteering during the Ability Games and are excited
about the learning opportunities this partnership will provide,” said Matthew Connell,
PTA program director at SCF.

For information, including information on how to volunteer at the Ability Games, contact
Connell at 941-752-5340 or ConnelM@SCF.edu.